Winter cycling is fun when you are properly equipped. What matters most: warm hands, layered clothing, good lights and tyres with grip. That way many riders keep moving all year instead of starting from zero again in spring.
Here you will find our ten tips, an overview of which gloves suit which temperature, and answers to the most common questions.
Our 10 tips for winter cycling
- Wrap your hands first: Your legs are working, but your hands only hold the handlebar and cool down fastest in the wind. Good winter gloves are the first thing you need.
- Layers: Thermal underwear as the first layer, a warming layer on top and a windproof, waterproof jacket like the Rainshield rain jacket outside.
- Protect head and ears: A thin thermal cap fits under any helmet.
- Warm feet: Thermal socks and sturdy, ideally waterproof shoes.
- Start out slightly cool: You warm up after a few minutes. If you sweat at the start, you will freeze later.
- Lights and visibility: Front and rear light on, plus reflector triangles on the rim, frame or helmet so people see you from the side too.
- Tyres with grip: A little less air pressure, studded tyres on ice. Ride carefully over leaves, cobblestones and bridges.
- Plan for a longer braking distance: Wet and cold make it longer. Look ahead and brake earlier.
- Keep the saddle dry: If your bike stands outside, a water-repellent saddle cover protects against rain and snow.
- Care after the ride: Rinse off salt with lukewarm water, dry the chain and oil it.
Which gloves suit which temperature?
| Temperature | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Below 0 °C, snow, rain | PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0: warm down to –10 °C, waterproof and windproof |
| 0 to 10 °C | Thermo Fahrradhandschuhe 3.0: warm down to 0 °C, wind and water repellent |
Everything on material and warmth is in the winter glove comparison, more tips in Cold fingers when cycling.
